Bangladesh's Human Trafficking Crisis Deepens as Convictions Decline in 2024

A perfect storm of debt bondage, climate disasters, and weak enforcement fuels exploitation. Why are traffickers still winning in Bangladesh?

, and Administrator

2026 March 23 . 7:03 PM

1 min read

The image shows a woman in a blue dress standing in front of a building with a quote on it that... — The image shows a woman in a blue dress standing in front of a building with a quote on it that reads "Everyone has a right to exist, people are not merchandise and cannot be used as bait during an economic and political crisis. Poverty does not justify human trafficking." She is smiling and there are a few people, plants, and flags in the background. On the left side of the image, there is a logo and some text.

Bangladesh's Human Trafficking Crisis Deepens as Convictions Decline in 2024

Bangladesh continues to face a severe human trafficking crisis, with an estimated 1.2 million people trapped in modern slavery as of 2021. Despite ongoing efforts, the country has remained on the US State Department's Tier 2 watchlist for six years in a row. Vulnerable groups, including Rohingya refugees and migrant workers, remain at high risk of exploitation.

The situation worsened in 2024 as the number of traffickers investigated, prosecuted, and convicted fell. Weak victim protection systems often leave survivors exposed to further abuse, while under-resourced labour inspectors struggle to monitor trafficking in informal industries. High recruitment fees for overseas work push many Bangladeshis into debt bondage, increasing their vulnerability abroad.

Internal trafficking remains widespread, with forced child labour and sex trafficking still major concerns. Climate disasters have also worsened the problem, as criminal gangs target displaced communities. Rohingya refugees in particular face extreme risks due to inadequate legal safeguards and poor accountability. In response, Bangladesh has begun training frontline officials in trauma-informed care and introduced a national referral system for victims. However, systemic challenges—such as underfunded enforcement and weak reintegration support—persist.

The decline in prosecutions and convictions in 2024 highlights ongoing gaps in Bangladesh's anti-trafficking efforts. Without stronger enforcement, better victim support, and targeted measures to address debt bondage and climate displacement, trafficking networks will likely continue exploiting vulnerable populations. The country's Tier 2 ranking reflects both progress and the urgent need for more effective action.